It won’t be long before the weather breaks, and everyone is back to building outdoors. The time to plan your new deck is at hand, and here’s a roundup of new products to consider for the project. Deckorators Voyage Composite Decking Deckorators has expanded its line of wood-alternative decking with the launch of Voyage (pictured). This new line of composite […]

Above Ground or Ground Contact? That is the Big Question Chances are, if you step into just about any backyard in any part of the country, you will find something made with preserved wood. You are likely to see a deck, a raised bed garden, a picnic table, or a children’s playset – all probably built with preserved wood. These […]

By Matt Weber We’re all aware of the wonders of wood as a building material, but to preserve its natural good looks when used outdoors, it’s necessary to apply a stain/sealer to protect it from Mother Nature. From mold and ultraviolet rays to insect infestation and rot, the threats to wood are plentiful. Choosing the right sealant, prepping the wood […]

Be careful what you specify, not all treatments are the same Exterior wood trim adds natural dimension and architectural interest to any home. The good news: exterior treated trim product awareness by builders is raising the bar to force manufacturers to provide products that will last. But, with so many warranties and manufacturers’ claims to […]

Decks offer homeowners a versatile way to customize their outdoor entertainment area. From a wide range of building materials to an even wider array of decorative amenities, the way we build—and rebuild—our decks are always evolving. Here’s a rundown of some of the latest deck-building products on the market. Impression Rail With […]

By Larry Walton I had been keeping this deck alive for several years with an occasional replacement board, some sanding,a little deck stain. I even trimmed the ends of a section of the cantilevered deck boards. But now the time had arrived to build a new deck. I started pulling off […]

By Mark Clement Why do I love building wood decks so much? I think it’s because a well-crafted deck is more than a box and some boards on the back of a house. A lot more. Because I’m a contractor and a carpenter, I find that decks are part layout, part site work, and […]